Railing system and method of manufacture

ABSTRACT

An improved railing connection and method of manufacture and assembly for use in assembling railings. A railing connection fastener is secured to one railing member and is concealed within the proximal end of a second railing member. The proximal end of the second railing member is shaped to fit the shutting profile of the first railing member, thereby resisting rotational movement around the proximal-distal axis of the second railing member. The railing connection fastener is secured to the second railing member, thereby resisting movement along the proximal-distal axis of the second railing member. The contour of the proximal end of the second railing member is shaped to fit the profile of the first railing member. The use of the connection fastener and the contour of the proximal end of the second railing member create a smooth, continuous joint with limited complex manufacture.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/788,660 filed Mar. 15, 2013, invented by Paul Breuer, and upon which the present application relies for priority.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention pertains to railing systems and railing assembly, and components therefor, which have railings interconnected at various angles, and more particularly is directed to an improved pipe railing system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Railing assemblies, bannisters and railing systems are known its the art, serving as barriers to elevated platforms, handholds for stairways, and methods to control the direction and flow of pedestrians, among other uses. They typically comprise railings interconnected lacking a streamlined appearance, or require the services of a welder to join vertical posts to horizontal railing members.

Smooth, continuous joints are desirable where the exterior surfaces of the pipe members meet. Common quick-connect style railing connectors (as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,658, issued to Strome, May 23, 2003) do not provide the smooth continuous joints sought, such as where the connector body is visible. Other methods of connecting railing members are also expensive, require significant tooling, machining, molding, welding, other complex manufacture, are unreliable, time consuming, expensive and may require skilled assembly or employ relatively complex mechanical devices with undesirable numbers of parts and assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned problems by providing a simple railing system connection, requiring few parts, easily manufactured, and which cm be assembled without welding. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an improved railing connection that is easily produced, providing a smooth and continuous joint, and which takes advantage of the properties of the railings in the joist connection. The shaped joint connection, whereby the end of one railing member is mated to the contours of the railing member it intersects, provides significant features of the improved railing system connection. These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention are provided by the improved railing system disclosed herein.

A preferred configuration of the invention, two hollow tabular railing members are joined by the use of a unique U-shaped railing connection fastener, one railing member end being shaped to the contours of another railing member, the railing connection fastener disposed within the body of the first railing member, secured to the body of the first railing member by means of a simple screw fastener, and secured to the second railing member by means of a simple screw fastener. The resulting railing system provides a structurally rigid barrier, simple to assemble, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to install. These and other features of the invention will become apparent upon a more detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention as described below.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be more fully appreciated with reference to the accompanying figures;

FIG. 1 presents a side elevation view of the improved railing system disclosed herein according to the principles of this invention;

FIG. 2 presents a front elevation view of the system of FIG. 1:

FIG. 3 presents a front elevation view of a railing connection fastener in accordance with the aspects of the present invention for connecting one railing member to a second railing member;

FIG. 4 presents a side elevation view of the railing connection fastener of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 presents a top view of the railing connection fastener of FIG. 3:

FIG. 6 presents a side elevation view of the improved railing system of FIG. 1 in a non-perpendicular configuration;

FIG. 7 presents a front elevation view of the system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 presents a front elevation view of a railing connection fastener of FIG. 3 in a non-perpendicular configuration;

FIG. 9 presents a side elevation view of the railing connection fastener of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 presents a top view of the railing connection fastener of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 presents a front elevation view of a method of manufacture for the simultaneous manufacture of the second railing member, which is shaped to the contours of the first railing member;

FIG. 12 presents a front elevation of the second railing member as created by the manufacture of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 presents a side elevation view of the second railing member of FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first preferred embodiment of the improved railing system, incorporating the principles of this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding elements among the several views. A side view of the improved railing system is shown in FIG. 1 wherein the invention is comprised of a first hollow tubular railing member 1, horizontal to a second hollow tabular railing member 2 in perpendicular fashion. The first hollow tubular railing member 1 may approach the hollow tubular railing member 2 in a perpendicular fashion, among a range of degrees. The railing members may be comprised of aluminum, iron, or any material or composition of materials sufficiently rigid to meet the requirements of manufacture and construction of this invention. The unique U-shaped railing connection fastener 3 is secured to the first railing member by way of a screw fastener 5 along one side of the unique U-shaped railing connection fastener 3. The unique U-shaped railing connection fastener 3 is prepared with a receptacle 8 for receiving the screw fastener 5. Screw faster 5 engages receptacle 8 and a receptacle located in railing member I to secure the unique U-shaped railing connection fastener 3. The unique U-shaped railing connection listener 3 is disposed, within the hollow body of the second railing member 2 and secured to the second railing member 2 using a screw fastener 7 exerting force upon the U-shaped railing connection fastener 3 and causing the U-shaped railing connection fastener to engage the interior diameter of hollow body of the second railing member 2. The second railing member 2 is prepared with a receptacle 4 for receiving the screw fastener. The unique U-shaped railing connection fastener 3 is prepared with, a threaded receptacle 6 for receiving the screw fastener 7. A significant feature of the invention is the unique U-shaped railing connection fastener 3 employed in conjunction with the second railing member 2 end 9 being shaped to the contours of the first tailing member 1, resisting rotation of second railing member 2. The second railing member 2 may be prepared by the method of manufacture illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, or by any method whereby the second railing member 2 end 9 being shaped to the contours of the first railing member 1.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the first preferred embodiment of the railing system unique U-shaped railing connection fastener 3, is comprised of two receptacles for screw fasteners. The unique U-shaped railing connection fastener 3 is prepared with a threaded receptacle 6 for receiving the screw fastener 7. The unique U-shaped railing connection fastener 3 is prepared with a receptacle 8 for receiving the screw fastener 5. The unique U-shaped railing connection fastener 3 may be comprised of aluminum, iron, steel, or any material or composition of materials sufficiently rigid to meet the requirements of manufacture and construction of this invention. The preparation of the unique U-shaped railing connection fastener 3 may be by bending flat stock, casting, molding or any method of manufacture appropriate for the material, as is known in the art. The first preferred embodiment of the screw fastener 7, when fully threaded, makes contact with both the threaded receptacle 6 and the opposing side of the U-shaped railing connection fastener 3, exerting force on the opposing side of the U-shaped railing connection fastener 3 towards the Interior diameter of the hollow body of the second railing member 2, and engaging the U-shaped railing connection fastener 3 on the interior diameter of the hollow body of the second railing member 2.

FIGS. 6-10 illustrate an embodiment of the railing system whereby the two railing members are not perpendicular to each other, with a corresponding alteration in the unique U-shaped railing connection fastener.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a method of manufacture of railing member 2, wherein two railing member ends 9 can be shaped simultaneously match the contours of railing member 1.

Additional embodiments of the improved railing system incorporating the principles of this invention are comprised of the use of rivets or other secure fasteners for fastener 5. Additional embodiments are comprised of the use of rivets or other secure fasteners for fastener 7. Additional embodiments are comprised of a threaded receptacle 4. Additional embodiments are comprised of the addition of a plug, seal, or cap or other means known in the art to eliminate the receptacle 4 opening found in said railing member 2 after insertion of fastener 7. Additional embodiments are comprised of an unthreaded receptacle 6. Additional embodiments are comprised of a threaded receptacle 8. Additional embodiments are comprised of a threaded or unthreaded receptacle located on railing member 1 for fastener 5. Additional embodiments are comprised of railing members 1 or 2 with different profiles, including box, rectangular, solid, or any other composition. Additional embodiments are comprised of railing connection fastener 3 shaped as suggested by the composition of railing member 1 or 2. Additional embodiments of railing connection fastener 3 are comprised of different profiles including single pin railing connection fasteners, serrated railing connection fasteners, multiple U-shaped railing connection fasteners, L-shaped railing connection fasteners, or any other composition. Additional embodiments are comprised of securely fastening fastener 3 to railing member 1 by any means known in the art.

Additional embodiments are comprised of shaping, molding or by other method or process known in the art, a single piece of stock to compose railing member 2 and railing connection fastener 3, without the use-of threaded fastener 7. Additional, embodiments are comprised of shaping, molding or by other method or process known in the art, a single piece of stock to compose railing member 1 and railing connection fastener 3, without the use of threaded fastener 5. Additional embodiments comprise securing railing connection fastener 3 to railing member 2 prior to securing railing connection fastener 3 to railing member 1, railing connection fastener 3 secured to railing member 1 comprised of use by serrated pin, puncture, or other means known in the art. Additional embodiments include the use of sealants, gaskets or other means known in the art, applied to ends, seams, abutments, openings or other necessary locations, during the manufacture, assembly, construction or installation, among other potential sequences, to create a sealed railing system impervious to penetration by gas, liquid or particulate matter, among other potential penetrating substances.

It should not be assumed that railing member 1 and railing member 2 are comprised of the same material composition, size, scale, shape, contour, hollow or solid stock or other feature as one another. It should not be assumed railing connection fastener 3, fastener 7, fastener 5 or other elements of the invention are comprised, of the same material composition. According, to the principles of this invention, the improved railing system incorporates a railing connection fastener 3 which is disposed of within the body of railing member 2, fastened to railing member 2, fastened to railing member 1, whereby railing member 2 is shaped to the contours of railing member 1, resisting rotation of railing member 2. Additional embodiments include applications, incorporating the principles of the improved railing system fastening method beyond railing systems, comprising band rails, automobile barriers, pedestrian barriers, gates, screens, and climbing structures.

The invention described, herein has been set forth in language more or less specific as to structural features. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the means and construction shown is comprised only of the preferred embodiments for putting the invention into effect the specification and described embodiments provide specific descriptions of structures which possess the inventive features of this invention. The invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the amended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. Other embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which will reside in the claims hereinafter appended. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A railing assembly comprising a second railing member with a proximal end toward a first railing member, with a hollow interior portion of said second railing member for receiving a railing connection fastener; said hollow interior portion of said second railing member proximal to said first railing member; said railing connection fastener having a diameter less than the diameter of said second railing member; said railing connection fastener secured to said first railing member; wherein said railing connection fastener is received in said hollow interior portion of said second railing member; wherein said railing connection fastener is secured to said second railing member while received in said hollow interior portion of said second railing member.
 2. The railing assembly according to claim 1, in which said proximal end of the second railing member toward the first railing member is shaped to fit the exterior profile of the first railing member to create a smooth and continuous abutment joint, thereby resisting rotation around the proximal-distal axis of the second railing member.
 3. The railing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, in which said railing connection fastener is U-shaped, identified by two legs of indeterminate length and a base having a diameter less than the diameter of said second railing member.
 4. The railing assembly according to claim 3, in which said railing connection fastener is secured to said second railing member by use of a screw means; the length of said screw means longer than the interior diameter of said second railing member; said screw means securing the railing connection fastener to said second railing member by passing through the outer surface of said second railing member by means of a pass tough receptacle to the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; said screw means engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle of one leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener located proximal to the pass through receptacle of the outer surface of said second railing member; said screw having a proximal end toward the outer surface of said second railing member and a distal end away from the pass through receptacle of the outer surface of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means abutting the leg opposed to the leg with the threaded receptacle of said U-shaped railing connection fastener and applying pressure upon said U-shaped railing connection fastener to engage the inner surface of said hollow interior portion of said second railing member, thereby opposing movement along the proximal-distal axis of said second railing member.
 5. The railing assembly according to claim 3, in which said railing connection fastener is secured to said second railing member by use of a screw means; the length of said screw means longer than the Interior diameter of said second railing member; said screw means securing the railing connection fastener to said second railing member by engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle of the oater surface of said second railing member to the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; said screw means passing through a receptacle of one leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener located proximal to the threaded receptacle outer surface of said-second railing member; said screw having a proximal end toward the threaded receptacle outer surface of said second railing member and a distal end away from the threaded receptacle outer surface of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means passing through a receptacle of the second leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener located distal to the threaded receptacle inner surface of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means further engaging the inner surface of the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; thereby opposing movement along the proximal-distal axis of said second railing member.
 6. The railing assembly according to claim 3, in which said railing connection fastener is secured to said second railing member by screw means; the length of said screw means longer than the interior diameter of said second railing member; said screw means securing the railing connection fastener to said second railing member by passing through the outer surface of said second railing member to the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; said screw means further engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle of one leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener located proximal to said receptacle in the caster surface of said second railing member; said screw having a proximal end toward said receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member and a distal end away from said receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means passing through a receptacle of the second leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener located distal to the inner surface of said second railing member; said screw means applying pressure upon one leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener to engage the inner surface of said hollow interior portion of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means further engaging the inner surface of the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; thereby opposing movement along the proximal-distal axis of said second railing member.
 7. The railing assembly according to claim 3, in which said railing connection fastener is secured to said second railing member by vise of a screw means; the length of said screw means longer than the interior diameter of said second railing member; said screw means securing the railing connection fastener to said second railing member by engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle for receiving the screw means in the outer surface of said second railing member to the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; said screw means further engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle of one leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener located proximal to said threaded receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member; said screw having a proximal end toward said threaded receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member and a distal end away from said threaded receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means abutting the leg opposed to the leg with the threaded receptacle of said U-shaped railing connection fastener and applying pressure upon said U-shaped railing connection fastener into the inner surface of said hollow interior portion of said second railing member, thereby opposing movement along the proximal-distal axis of said second railing member.
 8. The railing assembly according to claim 3, in which said railing connection fastener is secured to said second railing member by screw means; the length of said screw means longer than the interior diameter of said second railing member; said screw means securing the railing connection fastener to said second railing member by engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle for receiving the screw means in the outer surface of said second railing member to the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; said screw means further engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle of one leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener located proximal to said receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member; said screw having a proximal end toward said receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member and a distal end away from said receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means passing through a receptacle of the second leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener located distal to the inner-surface of the second railing member; said screw means applying pressure upon one leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener to engage the inner surface of said hollow interior portion of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means further engaging the inner surface of the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; thereby opposing movement along the proximal-distal axis of said second railing member.
 9. The railing assembly according to claim 3, in which said railing connection fastener is secured to said second railing member by screw means; the length of said screw means longer than the interior diameter of said second railing member; said screw means securing the railing connection fastener to said second railing member by engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle for receiving the screw means in the outer surface of said second railing member to the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; said screw means further engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle of one leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener located proximal to said receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member; said screw having a proximal toward said receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member and a distal end away from said receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle of the second leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener located distal to said receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means further engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle for receiving the screw means in the outer surface of said second railing member from the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; thereby opposing movement along the proximal-distal axis of said second railing member.
 10. The railing assembly according to claim 3, in which said railing connection fastener is secured to said second railing member by screw means; the length of said screw means longer than the interior diameter of said second railing member; said screw means securing the railing connection fastener to said second railing member by engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle for receiving the screw means in the outer surface of said second railing member to the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; said screw means further engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle of one leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener located proximal to said receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member; said screw having a proximal toward said receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member and a distal end away from said receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means engaging and passing through a receptacle of the second leg of said U-shaped railing connection fastener located distal to said receptacle in the outer surface of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means further engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle for receiving the screw means in the outer surface of said second railing member from the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; thereby opposing movement along the proximal-distal axis of said second railing member.
 11. The railing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, in which said railing connection fastener is L-shaped, identified by one leg of indeterminate length and a base having a diameter less than the diameter of said second railing member.
 12. The railing assembly according to claim 11, in which said railing connection fastener is secured to said second railing member by use of a screw means; the length of said screw means longer than the interior diameter of said second railing member; said screw means securing the railing connection fastener to said second railing member by passing through the outer surface of said second railing member to the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; said screw means engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle of the leg of said L-shaped railing connection fastener located proximal to the outer surface of said second railing member; said screw having a proximal end toward the outer surface of said second railing member and a distal end away from the outer surface of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means engaging the inner surface of the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; thereby opposing movement along the proximal-distal axis of said second railing member.
 13. The railing assembly according to claim 11, in which said railing connection fastener is secured to said second railing member by screw means; the length of said screw means longer than the interior diameter of said second railing member; said screw means securing the railing connection fastener to said second railing member by engaging and passing through a threaded receptacle for receiving the screw means in the outer surface of said second railing member to the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; said screw means passing through a receptacle of the leg of said L-shaped railing connection fastener located proximal to the outer surface of said second railing member; said screw having a proximal end toward the outer surface of said second railing member and a distal end away from the outer surface of said second railing member; said distal end of the screw means engaging the inner surface of the hollow interior portion of said second railing member; thereby opposing movement along the proximal-distal axis of said second railing member.
 14. A railing assembly comprising a second railing member with a proximal end toward a first railing member, with a receptacle tor receiving a railing connection fastener located at the proximal end of the second railing member; said railing connection fastener having a diameter less than the diameter of said second railing member; said railing connection fastener secured to said first railing member; wherein said railing connection fastener is received in said receptacle at the proximal end of the second railing member thereby opposing movement along the proximal-distal axis of said second railing member.
 15. The railing assembly according to claim 14, in which the surface of said railing connection fastener and the interior surface of said receptacle are serrated so as to permit insertion of the railing connection fastener and resist removal of the railing connection fastener from the receptacle, thereby opposing movement along the proximal-distal axis of said second railing member.
 16. A method of constructing a railing system in the process of fabricating a barrier comprising: Shaping the proximal end of the second railing member toward the first railing member to fit the exterior profile of the first railing member to create a smooth and continuous abutment joint, thereby resisting rotation around the proximal-distal axis of the second railing member; Securing a railing connection fastener to a second railing member and a first railing member thereby resisting rotation along the proximal-distal axis of the second railing member.
 17. A method of constructing a railing system in the process of fabricating a barrier according to claim 16 comprising: Machining the proximal end of the second railing member toward the first railing member is shaped to fit the exterior profile of the first railing member to create a smooth and continuous abutment joint, thereby resisting rotation around the proximal-distal axis of the second railing member by way of a cutting tool removing portions of the second railing member. 